Airports face closure

Perth Airport Special - Emirates 777 lifts off for Dubai.Picture: Geoffrey Thomas / The West Australian

There are fears Federal Government plans to overhaul security at airports could force the closure of some northern Goldfields airports.

In a submission by the WA Department of Transport to a Senate inquiry last month, the department highlighted concerns planned changes would make regional air services in WA unviable.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said if current security arrangements requiring screening of passengers on aircraft weighing more than 20 tonnes were extended to all public services it could lead to airport closures.

“There would be a significant impact to a number of critical air services in WA, particularly on services to communities like Laverton, Leonora, Wiluna (and others),” she said.

“Increased security costs could result in the possible discontinuation of air services to these smaller communities.

“The State Government recognises the safety and security of Australian citizens is important but it needs to be balanced with the ongoing sustainability of regional Australia.

“State Government is specifically concerned about higher airfares, which was the focus of the Parliamentary inquiry into the review of regional airfares in WA.”

The DoT stated the consultation process had not engaged with users of the service or representatives of the community in WA.

Shire of Leonora chief executive Jim Epis said he did not agree with plans to make significant changes to regional airport security.

“Without Commonwealth Government support, security upgrades would be crippling, not only for the initial capital cost of equipment but for the ongo-ing costs of additional staff,” he said.

“Airfares would need to increase substantially and this will have adverse impact on towns like Leonora affecting tourism, business and social perspective.

“The Commonwealth needs to engage with the WA Government and all airport owners to ensure everyone is reading from the same page prior to any decision making.” Shire of Laverton president Patrick Hill echoed Mr Epis’ sentiments, saying he knew nothing about it, community consultation was paramount and changes would need Federal Government funding to be sustainable.

The Federal Government confirmed it was considering options to strengthen aviation security, including regional airports.

A Government spokesman said reviews are ongoing.

“The Government is mindful of the impacts that security measures have on industry, particularly for regional and remote aviation,” the spokesman said.

“It is important to balance regulatory costs against maintaining the overall security and sustainability of the aviation network.”